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Cuba is wonderful and truly untouched. The people are genuinely nice. But be prepared for horrible service, just due to ignorance. The main european tourist destinations are fine, but they are tourist destinations. I would highly reccomend checking with ANY cuban art or culture institutes in the USA for cuban contacts and tips: i.e guides etc. We had a guide and the best part was when he took us back to his neighborhod and we saw how life really is there. Tourists get treated better than nationalists. Be prepared for glitches and a jamaican like attitude of "island" time. They dont know the word hustle. Forget capitalism exists!

Yes chepburn, for most Americans, it is illegal to visit Cuba. If you are a Cuban immigrant here and have family there, you can visit, but you have to jump through hoops to get government approval to do so.

Once you receive approval, you can fly direct from Miami to Havana. Depending on the carrier, the cost is between $300 to $500.

It is possible, but becoming more difficult, for Americans to enter the Cuba via a third country (Mexico, Jamaica, Canada) I would absolutely not attempt this but I have heard of it being done.

Living in Miami, I've had the opportunity to learn much about the island, it's people and culture. They are some of the warmest people you'll ever meet. Some of the finest art, music & dance can be found in Cuba. It's a shame that our government prevents us from going there.

I spent a week in Havana a year and a half ago at the International Jazz Festival. It was easier to get government permission then to enter the country. It was a truly wonderful experience. Havana is sort of stuck in a time warp. 3,000,000 people and very few automobiles. Wonderful people. Awesome architecture. The buildings are starting to crumble, definitely need a major infusion of money to keep things from falling apart. We were advised not to walk in certain parts of downtown, not because of the dangers from the people, but from the danger of falling bricks from the buildings.

I'm hoping the travel ban will be lifted soon so we can make a return trip.

If you are not American, and enjoy independent travel to explore other cultures, then Cuba is an exciting place to go and one of the cheapest. We met Americans, but they were either Cuban ancestry or risking the $US50k fines. Americans travel to Cuba via Mexico and Canada, which ever is closer. Try getting a friend in either ccountry to give you receipts to "show' yyou stayed there rather than go to Cuba.

Outside of Havana, lodging for CDN$30-70 double for B&B, beers for CDN$2 cocktails for $CDN4, dinners for $CDN10-20. In Havana, you can also find these costs. But warning, an American style hotel is not to be found. Set your standards slightly below European stars.

Havana buildings are pretty badly run down in some areas... e.g. the Malecon, sidewalks outside of the tourist areas. Buildings that are derelict would be worth millions anywhere else. The US embargos mean very expensive building materials so minimal construction or restoration outside of tourist areas.

Bring cash, no ATMs and carry it in a money belt.

But the people!!! Wow! The jinteros are less annoying than the Mexican or Florida timeshare touts. Expect sweet, kind people, loving to show off their culture. And the music... everywhere, and cheap!

We loved Trinidad the best.

I doubt that Cuba in its state will last long... the American quest for $ will quickly invade.

As with any independent travel, learn to say a few phrases in Spanish, and it makes your trip.

Cuba is GREAT. Been there many times flying direct from Toronto to Havana. For the last 5 years or so it's been my ONLY Caribbean destination and for me there's still lots to see and do.
I love Havana as a city to explore for it's archiecture, galleries, museums, cafe's etc., and it's wonderful if you manage to catch the ballet at the Gran Teatro at Parque Central in Havana.
Yes, it's a time warp for sure, but it's also wonderful to see a different culture and system without the rampages of consumerism and capitalism. There's NOT a Tacky Bell or Golden Arches at every corner. Just unique cafe's, bars and other places to grab a cerveza or cafe Cubano (expresso style). I also no longer stay at hotels in Havana but rather stay at Casa Particulars which are legal B&B's and truly give you a better feel for Cuban culture, food and hospitality.

But I've also spend time out in the country with friends visiting Isla de la Juventud (a unique island off the south coast, formerly Isle of Pines), Cayo Largo for a serene beach relaxation and Varadero for great beaches and other activities. Something for everybody.

If you want a glance at what makes Cuba special, check out my website with text and photos at.http://photopilot.tripod.com
Note that this is a free hosted site so if you can't get in today (bandwidth limited) then try again tomorrow.
ciao.
Steve (YYZ)

"Yes, it's a time warp for sure, but it's also wonderful to see a different culture and system without the rampages of consumerism and capitalism."

Cuba, with official suppression of "consumerism and capitalism" is a broken down society. It may be "wonderful to see," but I (and many Cubans) wouldn't want to live there. Buildings are actually falling down in Havana, and the people have to resort to subterfuge to live. Deny it as you may, Capitalism exists in the stores, restuarants, taxis, and street hawkers.

I believe that the people want and pray for "consumerism and capitalism", for all the "rampages" it may bring. And if it happens, you will see a flowering and explosion of the economy and society which would make it the most vibrant nation in the area.

I found at least four ATMs in Havanna, three in Habana Vieja and one in this hotel lobby near the Capitolium. And I did not feel a need to wear a money belt. All in all, it was a great trip, one week in Havanna and on the beach just outside Trinidad.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS/TRAVEL TRANSACTION LIMITATIONS: The Cuban Assets Control Regulations of the U.S. Treasury Department require that persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction be licensed to engage in any transaction related to travel to, from, and within Cuba. Transactions related to tourist travel are not licensable. This restriction includes tourist travel to Cuba from or through a third country such as Mexico or Canada. U.S. law enforcement authorities have increased enforcement of these regulations at U.S. airports and pre-clearance facilities in third countries. Travelers who fail to comply with Department of Treasury regulations will face civil penalties and criminal prosecution upon return to the United States."

I would say it's probably not worth it... Castro will kick it soon and then everything will open up...

Yes, Cuba is a terrific place to visit - and in fact I wouldn't mind living there as well. Notwithstanding its economic problems and the increased annoyance of folks trying to earn US$ from tourists, it is a one-of-a-kind place with wonderful people, interesting cities and beautiful beaches/landscapes. It is also free from the commercial globalization (i.e. Americanization) of tourism and life that is so common in many other places.

By the way, I had hoped to travel via Mexicana Airlines - Calgary to Mexico City to Havana. Unfortunately, given the continuing ignorance of US policy respecting Cuba, it cannot be done. Why? Because my flight would pass through Denver and Mexicana is not allowed by American authorities to have passengers stop in the US who have a ticket with Cuba as their destination. So it's back to going Air Canada via Toronto.